Dan King-Turner is feeling in good shape as he prepares for the familiar tough challenge of trying to get past the first round of the Auckland Open tennis tournament.

King-Turner got a double dose of good news on Saturday ahead of an event that starts on Monday.

The world No.378 was given the last wildcard for the main draw and was then paired with a qualifier.

He goes into the tournament having won his second New Zealand Championship in December, giving him some competitive preparation.

“That was a good few matches leading into this,” he said.

“I also feel I’ve had a pretty good last six months so I’m looking forward to it.”

But the 28-year-old Aucklander, who has yet to reach the second round in five attempts, knows that even meeting a qualifier will represent a significant hurdle.

“I’m going to have to take my chances,” he said.

“I guess the guys coming in haven’t played that many matches so that’s sort of an advantage.”

The news that he had been granted a wildcard came as a bit of surprise to King-Turner, who was preparing to play in the qualifying.

There had been debate beforehand about whether a New Zealander should get a wildcard, or an overseas player ranked much higher.

Tournament director Karl Budge said it was felt best to opt for a New Zealander rather than someone who might be reasonably unknown to local fans.

“It’s a tough one,” King-Turner said.

“I can see how the tournament would like to get the best field possible, but it’s always nice for a Kiwi to play in it.”

King-Turner got the wildcard ahead of New Zealand No.1 Rubin Statham, who is ranked 10 places above him but is competing in a Challenger event in New Caledonia.